Chicago announced on April 28 that wide receiver DJ Moore was traded to the Buffalo Bills, ending his two‑year tenure with the Bears. The move, completed just before the league’s March 31 trade deadline, swaps Moore for a mid‑round pick and a future draft selection, giving Buffalo a proven slot receiver for its revamped offense.
Moore, a 5‑10, 205‑pound veteran, posted 832 receiving yards and three touchdowns in 2024, but the Bears could not fit his $8.5 million cap hit into a roster already tight under head coach Matt Eberflus’s scheme. Buffalo, meanwhile, added the former second‑round pick Keon Coleman and drafted safety Skyler Bell, signaling a broader overhaul of its passing game.
How did DJ Moore’s recent production influence the Bears’ decision?
Moore recorded 832 yards on 64 catches last season, averaging 13.0 yards per target, but his EPA per route fell to the league median, prompting front‑office brass to view him as expendable. The Bears’ depth chart already featured rookie Javon Wims, whose route‑running aligns better with the team’s zone‑read concepts.
What does the Bills’ acquisition mean for their receiving corps?
Buffalo adds a veteran with a reliable third‑down conversion rate of 45 % and a proven ability to stretch defenses vertically, complementing Coleman’s emerging role after a modest 404‑yard, four‑TD sophomore campaign. The Bills’ offensive coordinator expects Moore to run primarily from the X position, freeing up tight end Dawson Knox for red‑zone targets.
Key Developments
- Moore’s contract includes a $2.2 million roster bonus due in July, which the Bears will accelerate as dead money.
- The trade gave Buffalo a 2027 fifth‑round pick originally belonging to Chicago.
- Keon Coleman, mentioned in the same press release, entered his third year with 404 receiving yards and four touchdowns, highlighting Buffalo’s depth at receiver.
- Skyler Bell was selected in the fourth round, providing the Bills with a versatile safety who can also contribute on special teams.
- Chicago’s salary‑cap projection now shows $4.3 million in savings, allowing the team to pursue a veteran cornerback in free agency.
What’s next for DJ Moore and the Bears?
Moore will report to Buffalo’s rookie minicamp on May 12, where he’ll compete for the slot‑receiver role alongside Coleman’s emerging chemistry with quarterback Josh Allen. Chicago, freed from his cap hit, plans to sign a low‑cost veteran to mentor Wims and bolster special‑teams depth. Analysts note that the Bears could use the saved space to address the offensive line, a priority for protecting quarterback Justin Fields.
What was DJ Moore’s contract value with the Bears?
Moore signed a three‑year, $27 million extension in 2024, which included a $2.2 million roster bonus due in July 2026.
How does the trade affect Buffalo’s salary cap?
Buffalo assumes $1.8 million of Moore’s remaining salary and adds a 2027 fifth‑round pick, keeping its cap under the $210 million limit for 2026.
Will DJ Moore start immediately for the Bills?
Coach Sean McDermott expects Moore to earn a starting X‑receiver spot after evaluating his route tree in training camp; he is unlikely to start Week 1 but could see significant snaps by Week 3.
Leave a Reply